Sunday, 16 November 2014

"When he has succeeded in being Caesar's friend, he has none the less failed to get what he was seeking. For what is it that every man is seeking? To live securely, to be happy, to do everything as he wishes to do, not to be hindered, not to be subject to compulsion … If he is not invited [by Caesar], he is hurt, and if he is invited, he dines like a slave at a master's table, all the time careful not to say or do something foolish … When did you sleep more peacefully, now or before you became Caesar's friend?" Epictetus. Book IV, Chapter 1.

"Men in great place are thrice servants: servants to the sovereign or state, servants of fame, and servants of business, so as they have no freedom, neither in their persons, nor in their actions, nor in their times." Francis Bacon. Essays, Of Great Place.

"When, therefore, neither those who are styled kings live as they will, nor the friends of these kings, what free men are left? Seek and you will find. For nature has given you resources to find the truth." Epictetus. Book IV, Chapter 1.